Faith in Humanity and Peace

I believe in the change for a better world. I believe that through the goodness of people and my generation’s determination for peace, the world will become a better place. I have never doubted that someone would do wrong when they could do right. Of course, in this modern day and time, all we hear about is wars starting, bombs exploding, and people stealing. But while a few people do that, there’s always some one doing the opposite.

While this generation’s developing new weapons and creating more dangers and wars, it’s obvious that my generation wants nothing to do with it. Peace signs have come back into fashion, shirts promoting peace have sprung up in stores everywhere, and peace-oriented groups have formed in schools. The recent terrorist attacks in Mumbai, India have brought out many emotions. Being from Pakistan, and being a Muslim, I was worried how my Indian classmates, and close friends, would treat me after it. There was no difference. On Facebook, an event was made to invite the entire world to wear white in remembrance of the victims. When I accepted the invitation, I saw what many people wrote on some of the pictures that were posted. Both Pakistanis and Indians were talking about peace and how they should join together to fight against extremism. This shocked me, considering that only ten minutes ago, on international news, people with actual power were discussing about how they were going to declare war. This one example proved to me that this generation is going to save humanity and restore peace throughout the world.

Everyday I come home and read the local newspaper. After reading the devastatingly horrible headlines on the front page, I immediately turn to the editorial section. It restores my faith in humanity. Sometimes, there are letters to the editor that have to do with peace, coexistence, and tolerance. I make sure to read those completely. After that, I continue on to the opinion line. While most of the comments are rude and disheartening, the editors always conclude with a tiny ray of hope. They usually end it with someone thanking a random stranger for finding their wallet or their cell phone. Sometimes for a few dollars that someone chipped in so they could buy their groceries. Little anonymous messages like this make feel content and give me hope that there are good people in the world. Often I find myself wishing that I could be in that situation, where someone needs help and that I rush over to help them. That is one reason why I tend to always donate at least a dollar to the Salvation Army kettle when I pass one. If I don’t I feel this extreme guilt, that tends to plague me until I do give a dollar. Not even shopping, my favorite thing to do, can keep my mind off of it.

I believe that my generation will save the world, one person at a time, promoting peace and discouraging war.